Michael Curnes
■ FOUNDER OPERATOR
I help uncommon builders turn hard-won ideas into lasting companies without losing themselves
Strategic coaching and advisory for founders ready to level up.
Get in touch
■ WHAT IS AN UNCOMMON FOUNDER?
Uncommon founders don’t fit the mould
They don’t all look and sound alike. They’re not a particular gender, demographic or background. What makes them uncommon is that they are, or aspire to be:
1
Visionary builders determined
to change the world
2
Thoughtful technologists
focused on purposeful impact
3
Independent thinkers playing their own game,
not everyone else’s
■ HOW DO I HELP?
The world is yearning for more uncommon founders. To build the thing that people talk about for decades to come. The thing we couldn’t even imagine and then couldn’t live without. The thing the world needs.
And to do it their own way.
I know they have what it takes, but so often they get in their own way. Inside their own head. Knocked off course. Limited by the things they unknowingly hold to be true. Burnt out. Caught in conflict. Or just bogged down in the wrong things.
That’s where I come in.
Michael Curnes
Founder operator and advisor
■ DEFINING SUCCESS
Each client has a different idea of success
GOAL 1
I want to better understand the game I’m playing and how to play it well.
GOAL 2
I’ve got so many priorities in and out of work that whichever I choose feels wrong.
GOAL 3
We’re building such an innovative product, do we get to build an innovative company?
GOAL 4
I just don’t want to wear the mask any more.
GOAL 5
I’m bogged down in the wrong things.
GOAL 9
I see my role as being a centre of gravity for capital and talent.
GOAL 10
I’m so much more creative than I show to others.
GOAL 11
I just want to level up. It’s like a video game and I’m coming up against the final boss.
GOAL 12
There are just the unknown unknowns. I know I need to grow.
GOAL 13
There’s so much noise that I feel like I just need to insulate myself from it.
■ REAL GROWTH
The important thing is that they see and feel the progress
“
Michael challenged me to think differently, improved my personal productivity and made our leadership team more decisive and productive. I’ve learned to communicate with clarity and decisiveness, and the positive impact on my team has been tangible.
FOUNDER AND CEO
“
I’ve made more progress with Michael than with any other coach I’ve worked with.
“
Michael has been an excellent support for our team. He has a kind and empathetic approach that empowers individuals to grow.
FOUNDER
“
Having a trusted sounding board for the most critical decisions facing the business has been invaluable. Michael’s been instrumental in guiding myself and my team through so many hurdles to get to this point.
View all testimonials
■ HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
We work together as a partnership
A deep and trusting relationship dedicated to the journey you’re on and the ups and downs along the way. Coaching that’s holistic and three dimensional.
1
The ‘I’ dimension
Find a way of leading that works for you. We focus on identifying what that looks like whilst maximising your time, energy, motivation, skills, and personal growth.
2
The ‘WE’ dimension
Enjoy thriving relationships with your board, co-founders, leadership team, wider company, friends and family.
3
The ‘IT’ dimension
Build the best version of the company you could imagine through strategy, structures, processes, and key decisions that shape your company’s growth at every stage.
■ MY FOUNDATIONS
What expertise do I bring?
As a coach
I help founders translate ambition into durable habits, clearer decisions, and calmer leadership under pressure.
As a thought partner
I’ve been in the trenches as an operator and advisor, helping ambitious teams keep their judgment sharp while the stakes rise.
As a depth partner
I’m interested in the honest, hard work underneath growth: the beliefs, stories, relationships, and decisions shaping the company.
■ START THE CONVERSATION
Get in contact to set up a call
I’d love to connect and learn more about you. Send me an email and we’ll find a time that works.
Email Michael